UWS graduate Jack Sloss turned his teenage fascination with bridges and buildings into a successful career as a civil engineer.
Jack says: “At school, I was always interested in technology, and the computer systems used to model designs, and decided to make my career in that sector.”
After completing an HND in Civil Engineering, Jack chose UWS to study for his Honours degree; singling out the unique ‘sandwich’ nature of the UWS course – which allowed him to both work and study – as the deciding factor.
He said: “Over the four years, I got the chance to work for 36 weeks within the industry, while also getting paid. The insights, mentoring and advice I got from those already working on major projects was invaluable, and helped inform my coursework and final year dissertation.”
Jack, who won various engineering competitions while studying at UWS, is now using the skills he learned to help model and test designs for footbridges, carry out infrastructure inspection work ahead of the installation of new wind farms, and has even helped with the design work on a new café.
Working for SYSTRA, one of the top transport planning companies in the UK, he said: “During my course, I worked with Glasgow-based JMP Consultants. When they were taken over by SYSTRA, they kept me on.
“The office experience I’d gained during my placement – learning all their computer programmes and software systems – meant I could start working on projects right away.
“Not only did the work experience count for course credits, I was paid, and was offered a job as soon as I graduated.”
“Not only did the work experience count for course credits, I was paid, and was offered a job as soon as I graduated.”Jack Sloss
“SYSTRA is putting me through the ICE (Institute of Civil Engineers) programme, so I can eventually become a chartered engineer.”
That means that as well as regular site visits, and office-based work, Jack regularly attends training seminars in London.
Jack added: “I like the mix of projects I get to work on. I get to see the problems and solutions from both the contractors’ and architects’ side and try to come up with the right engineering solutions.”
Last updated: 04/12/2018